Ascorbic acid is associated with favourable hormonal profiles among infertile males

Abstract

IntroductionInfertility affects about 16% of North American couples, with the male factor contributing to ∼30% of cases. Reproductive hormones play an integral role in regulating the reproductive system and consequently, fertility. Oxidative stress reduces testosterone synthesis, and reduction in oxidative stress can improve hormone profiles. Ascorbic acid is a potent antioxidant that accounts for up to 65% of seminal antioxidant activity; however, its effects on reproductive hormones in humans are unknown.MethodsThe objective was to determine the association between serum ascorbic acid concentrations and male reproductive hormones. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving infertile males (n = 302) recruited from Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto. Serum was analyzed for ascorbic acid, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone (TT), prolactin and estradiol. Statistical analyses included Spearman's rank correlations, linear regressions, logistic regressions, simple slope and Johnson-Neyman procedures.ResultsAfter adjusting for covariates, ascorbic acid was inversely associated with LH (P = 0.01). Ascorbic acid was positively associated with TT only among males over the age of 41.6 years (P = 0.01).DiscussionOur findings show that ascorbic acid is associated with higher testosterone levels and improved androgenic status in infertile males, and some of the effects appear to be age dependent.

Biomarkers of Iron Are Associated with Anterior-Pituitary-Produced Reproductive Hormones in Men with Infertility

“…No studies have examined these associations in men with infertility. A recent study looking at ascorbic acid (vitamin C), a micronutrient that facilitates iron absorption, found that ascorbic acid was associated with favorable hormonal profiles in infertile males [ 49 ]. Ascorbic acid was inversely associated with LH and age-dependently positively associated with TT [ 49 ].…”

Effect modification by sex of genetic associations of vitamin C related metabolites in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

“…Some studies which have noted the influence of sex hormones on vitamin C concentrations have relied on cellular and animal models 6–8 . One recent cross-sectional study in infertile men found there was an inverse association between serum ascorbic acid and luteinizing hormone levels, however, the relationship between vitamin C and sex hormones in humans needs to be further explored 9 .…”